Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight)
Filmmaker Danny Boyle may be best known for his dark drug story Trainspotting . But now he delivers what might best be described as something of a gritty romantic fairy tale. Slumdog Millionaire (opening November 21 at Landmark's Hillcrest Cinemas) is something of a kindred spirit to Boyle's Millions as it spins a narrative rooted in the real world but able transcend reality. You can listen to my radio feature or check out the web video feature on Slumdog Millionaire tomorrow.
Hungry Hank
from San Diego, CA
November 21, 2008 at 03:08 PM
"Slumdog MIllionaire" is my favorite film of the year so far and I implore people to go out and see it. Boyle manages to make what is essentially a very generic story absolutely fascinating and engaging. The tension created regarding the final few answers Jamal provides on the game show is palpable and it's no wonder why the film is winning audiences over. Don't miss out on one of the few films this year actually worth your legal currency.
Also, don't get up from your seats right away when the credits roll as Boyle and company made sure to include a Bollywood style dance sequence for the cast to undertake.
Beth Accomando
November 21, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Yes, make sure to stay through the end credits. When I interviewed Danny Boyle he said the dance number was supposed to be in the middle of the film but it just didn't work and since he didn't want to lose it, he placed it in the end credits.
carlos sepulveda from sinaloa, mex
February 19, 2009 at 05:09 AM
oh man...
i could say so many things about this film.
i read the book Q & A by vikas swarup like 2 years ago. i had forgotten about the book til' now. this book is amazing! There are soo many details that are omitted in the film. first off...why change the names of the characters? his real name was ram thomas muhammed. (there's a cool reason for the name) i hate it when they make films on books i've read and give out the wrong idea. the whole setting and way of filming is nothing like the book. the book was amazing. if you read the book you'll realize how disappointing the film is. Now...the film is OK, but there are so many things that could be better. this kid doesnt even look like hes suffered through life...and here he is on a game show that looks very american-like. (its was'nt like this in the book)i remember feeling horrible about all that Ram had endured to finally meet again with Anita. Beth, read the book you'll like it a lot more. i dont like this Danny Boyle.
i had to say that, to make myself feel better muahaha
thanks!
Beth Accomando
February 19, 2009 at 05:30 AM
Carlos,
How are you doing? Thanks for the insights. Having read the book first I'm sure makes a big difference in how you read the film. Curious Case of Benjamin Button took so little from the F. Scott Fitzgerald source material that it doesn't even seem like it should call itself an adaptation.
I will seek out the book. But I've always liked Danny Boyle and even if he didn't capture the book, there's an energy to all his films that I appreciate.
Thanks for the comments.
